GE unveils new Evolution Series Locomotive

May 20, 2009 The latest model in GE's fuel efficient and low emissions Evolution series has just hit the tracks. Offering cleaner, significantly faster, safer and more reliable alternative to the aging North American fleet of DC-powered locomotives, the new ES44C4 features a unique Dynamic Weight Management System which automatically improves traction at start up, on inclines or in poor weather conditions.

Fuel savings

The Evolution series Locomotives reduce fuel consumption by 17% and emissions by 70% versus existing DC locomotives. GE claims that six hundred of their latest locomotives can displace up to 800 older locomotives, which is the fuel savings equivalent to taking 115,000 cars off the road for a year. This translates to 48,000 tons of nitrous oxide, 1,500 tons of particulate matter and 1.0 million tons of the green house gas carbon dioxide.

Model ES44C4

The Model ES44C4's patented Dynamic Weight Management System (DWMS) is similar to the traction control in an automobile, continuously monitors traction at the axles and limiting wheel slip in adverse conditions. Two traction motors readily can be added to the Model ES44C4 to create a six-traction-motor.

The ES44C4 also has a higher top speed than traditional DC-powered locomotives and greater reliability - the new AC motors have fewer parts to maintain and eliminate the electrical problems that hamper DC motors.

The new locomotive will be built in GE’s Pennsylvania manufacturing plants in Erie and Grove City and provide a direct replacement option for the current six axle, 4400 HP locomotives being delivered today.

Launched in 2002 and introduced into revenue service in 2005, the Evolution Series Locomotives are currently operating in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, China, Mongolia, Australia, Kazakhstan and Egypt.

hmm, the thing does not look very aerodynamic. Wouldnt a lower drag also help with reducing fuel consumption. Compared to the engines we have here in Europe it looks very old actually.

That might just be a wrong subjective impression of mine though.

Skipjack 20th May, 2009 @ 01:41 am PDT

Skipjack: I've read the most efficient way for cargo trains is to go slow. At the speeds they do, I don't think aerodynamics would save them very much. At least not compared to all the other areas where they could make savings.

soupisgoodfood 20th May, 2009 @ 03:06 pm PDT

Why not hybrid ?? You get brake recuperation and more efficient engine operation regime resulting in better fuel efficiency and much less pollution. As the other article describes just that, a GE hybrid locomotive, I think non hybrid is a step back from the best possibilities ....http://friendfeed.com/PetrBuben

Petr Owes 9th June, 2009 @ 07:26 am PDT

Great idea Petr. Those GM engineers really have no idea what they are doing! All you'd have to do is couple-up around a thousand Toyota Prius and you're in action. I wonder why they don't make hybrid trucks? Could it be that heavy haulage is totally different from light transport?

Whathe 21st June, 2009 @ 09:20 am PDT

Why not hydraulic assist? Getting it going up to speed is the hard part from then it's easy-Skipjack is right though-drag- aerodynamics shown here are horrible-you'd think the engineers might see that.